Michael Jackson, the First King of Pop Music Has Passed On

Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009).


Yesterday was one of the saddest days in America since 9/11 in 2001 and the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans on August 29, 2005, when the shocking news of the sudden death of the awesome Michael Jackson shook the United States of America and echoed all over the rest of the world within seconds. Hope Obioma Opara, the Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up at about 2 am Nigerian time to break the sad news to me in tears. His younger brother Outragiouz, a Nigerian Hip-hop artiste based in America had called him to tell him that MJ was no more among the living mortals on earth. I felt feverish and sat up in bed and could no longer sleep.
It could be a hoax, I said to Hope.
No Mike, Michael is dead! He said.
Hope is a fanatic of MJ since his teens and in fact his parents stopped him from going to America to prevent him from following in the footsteps of his idol.
We kept vigil to mourn MJ and listened to more news on him on the radio.
What a life.



We are still mourning Michael Jackson when the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett, (February 2, 1947 — June 25, 2009) hit me this morning. She was one of my favourite actresses of all time and one of the most celebrated pin-up sex symbols on TV. What a weekend of sorrows in America.

Michael Jackson was phenomenal and like Elvis Presley who was the indisputable King of Rock 'n' Roll, Michael Jackson was the first King of Pop Music and there can never be another Michael Jackson.

Farewell in eternity, Michael Jackson.


26 Jun 2009 05:08 Africa/Lagos


Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.


Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."


Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."


Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."


Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.


Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.


Source: Sony Corporation

CONTACT: Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America, +1-212-833-6975;
Liz Young of Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-8558; Jimmy Asci, Sony/ATV
Music Publishing +1-212-833-4513


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Jun 2009
05:26
SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels
05:08
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
04:11
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Mourns the Loss of Michael Jackson
02:05
American Heart Association Extends Sympathy to Family of Singer Michael Jackson
00:56
Tributes.com Establishes Online Memorial for Michael Jackson: A Place to Share Memories and Condolences
00:53
Congressman Chaka Fattah Responds to Death of Michael Jackson
00:24
Michael Jackson's Death Underscores the Tragedy and Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Michael Jackson Dies at 50


Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62
President Obama, LAUSD Board of Education Recognize California Academic Decathletes
PepsiCo Opens First Overseas 'Green' Plant in China as Part of $1 Billion Investment Effort
First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates the National Design Awards with Public Programs and White House Ceremony
Independence Day
Workplace & Careers II Feature Package

Domestic Violence Expert Comments on Chris Brown Plea Deal

23 Jun 2009 01:08 Africa/Lagos


Domestic Violence Expert Comments on Chris Brown Plea Deal

Statement of Esta Soler, President, Family Violence Prevention Fund

SAN FRANCISCO, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The plea deal reached today in Los Angeles in the domestic violence case involving Chris Brown and Rihanna is not an unusual outcome in a case like this. Despite what was apparently an extremely violent assault, it was a first offense. We are glad the charge remained a felony, and that Mr. Brown pleaded guilty, taking responsibility for his actions.


"Time will tell whether justice was served, and that will depend in large part on whether Mr. Brown is truly repentant and takes seriously the interventions that will now be available to help him renounce violence going forward.


"This case is a chilling reminder of how dangerous domestic and dating violence can be, how quickly it can escalate, how badly youth like Mr. Brown who grow up in violent homes need intervention, and how urgently victims need services.


"Violence like this occurs every day in every community, and victims need our support. In addition to getting them the help they need, we must all make a commitment to teach the next generation that violence is always wrong. Only when we do that will incidents like this become part of our past, rather than part of our everyday lives."


Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1,200 deaths and two million injuries to women from intimate partner violence each year. On average, three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends each day in this country. 15.5 million U.S. children live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and seven million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred.


The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end violence against women and children around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. More information is available at www.endabuse.org. In partnership with the Advertising Council, the FVPF has launched That's Not Cool, a new campaign designed to help start a conversation among teens so they will connect the dots and recognize when controlling behavior becomes abuse. Learn more at www.thatsnotcool.com.


Source: Family Violence Prevention Fund

CONTACT: Lisa Lederer, +1-202-371-1999, +1-202-421-5825 (cell), for
Family Violence Prevention Fund


Web Site: http://www.thatsnotcool.com/


Hot Topics

Boeing Postpones 787 First Flight
Survey: No Clear Consensus in Stabilization but CFOs Anticipate Economic Recovery within Next Two Years
New Adam Lambert Single, 'Want' to be Released on iTunes on Tuesday, June 23
After Weeks on the Rise, Mortgage Rates Finally Drop
toptable, Europe's No 1 Restaurant Reservation Service, Goes Global... http://www.toptable.com
Massteknik UK Wins Tender to Screen Cricket's Most Action-Packed Year Ever!
Iranian Election
Summer Travel
Personal Finance II Feature Package

Top News of the Day in America

Thomson Reuters Study Finds Baby Boomers and Generation X Face Healthcare Cost Hurdles

Government Mandates Create Guaranteed Market for Bio-Fuel, Says Frost & Sullivan

'Hayden Panettiere, Dr. Roger Payne, and others call on the International Whaling Commission to End All Commercial and Scientific Whaling Citing Studies Showing That the People Who Eat Dolphin, Whale, and Porpoise Meat Are the Most Contaminated Humans on the Planet.'

Iranian Election

Summer Travel

Father's Day

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
22 Jun 2009
11:20	Axiom NZ Introduces Low Cost LED T-Bar Ceiling Fixture
11:13	LodgeNet Announces Proposed Private Offering of $50 Million of Convertible Preferred Stock
11:12	FabulousSavings.com Creates "HYPE," Shopping Resource for the Newest & Hottest Products Online
11:07	TransUnion Alerts Collectors of Accounts Involved in Collection Litigation
11:03	BUTTERFINGER(R) Seeks Four Social Media Adventurers to Complete the Ultimate Summer 'FUNternship'
11:00	XM Satellite Radio to Offer $350 Million of Senior Secured Notes Due 2013
11:00	Perceptive Informatics Launches the Next Level of Integration in its Industry-Leading eClinical Suite
11:00	HSBC Bank USA Brings Authentic Wimbledon Experience to New York City
11:00	Columbia Records Announces the Release of 'Love Is The Answer,' the New Studio Album of Jazz-Flavored Classics & Standards by Barbra Streisand
11:00	Parascript Signature Verification Technology Used by Moscow Law Firm to Detect Signature Fraud in $160,000 Debt Collection Case
11:00	Liza Lentini Talks About LIZAFEST!
11:00	Tiberius Capital, LLC Announces Cash Tender Offer for PetroSearch Energy Corporation (OTC: PTSG) at $0.33 Net Per Share
11:00	Knocking the Wind Out of Asthmatics: Help from Hippocrates
11:00	AGF Introduces Precision HSD Case for RIM BlackBerry Javelin and Storm
11:00	Cancer Patients Use New Guided Imagery CD to Help Boost Healthy Immune Functioning
11:00	Microsoft Mobile Advertising Teams With Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to Drive Awareness for Hyatt's Mobile Web Site
11:00	Finland's Elisa Awards Amdocs a Six-Year Managed Services and Billing Transformation Contract
11:00	Live Nation Continues Its Popular No Service Fee Wednesdays by Dropping the Service Fee on All 4-Packs This Wednesday, June 24, Only at LiveNation.Com
11:00	A Charity Benefit & Art Exhibition: The New Way to Sell Real-Estate
11:00	Improvements in Communication Required to Help Repair Trust in Investment Management Industry, KPMG International Survey Finds

President Obama Chosen as Dad Most Deserving Respect

18 Jun 2009 12:49 Africa/Lagos


President Barack Obama and his happy Family.

President Obama Chosen as Dad Most Deserving Respect

For Father's Day, RESPECT! Campaign Celebrates Dads Who Help Kids Build Healthy Relationships

SAN FRANCISCO, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- This Father's Day the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), Macy's, and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) are proud to support the RESPECT! Campaign(SM), a multi-year initiative designed to inspire a new movement that will help prevent relationship violence by promoting respect as a fundamental building block for healthy relationships and stronger homes and communities. In celebration of dads everywhere the campaign announced results of a survey revealing America's picks for the best role model dads. The number one spot goes to President Barack Obama, voted as the man who most deserves to be honored on Father's Day for publicly demonstrating the greatest level of respect in his family relationships.[i] Runners up for the "dad who deserves to be honored and respected this Father's Day" were Will Smith, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck.


The RESPECT! Campaign is also proud to join with the Founding Fathers, a nationwide group of men who have come together to declare their support for programs that engage men - as fathers, coaches, teachers, and role models - to teach and model respect as a key strategy to help prevent relationship abuse. The Founding Fathers are standing with the FVPF on Father's Day to speak out about the important role of men in modeling healthy relationships and respect within families and beyond. The Founding Fathers - which include men such as Willie Mays, Joe Torre, and Russell Simmons - pledge their public support for the cause in a full page statement in the national edition of the New York Times on Father's Day.


"In an uncertain world where stress is high, setting a tone of mutual respect in the family and teaching young people about the importance of respect in relationships is critical to preventing relationship violence and promoting healthy problem solving. That's why we created the RESPECT! Campaign," says Esta Soler, founder and president of the FVPF. "It's a social action and awareness initiative created with national support from Macy's that uses a positive approach to give parents, teachers, coaches and other role models the tools they need to teach young people about healthy relationships early and often."


Advisor to the RESPECT! Campaign and adult psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor offers these tips to help parents talk to their kids and break the cycle of violence:


-- Know that he/she is watching you - Financial and workplace worries can
easily be transferred to the home. Your child watches everything you
say and do - especially how you deal with stress and conflict and how
you treat others. Realizing that your child is like a sponge and that
s/he will learn from your example, Dr. Taylor suggests that parents
keep in mind their actions while in traffic, in restaurants and at the
dinner table - the more respectful behavior you model, the more your
child will learn from your example.
-- Be there - With so much stress in our lives now, Dr. Taylor says it's
important to spend time with your kids and to take advantage of
"teachable moments." Use relevant, real-life situations to teach
children about the importance of respect, positive role models and the
characteristics of healthy relationships.

-- Realize that we all make mistakes - The most important thing that
parents need to understand is that no one is perfect. The goal,
especially in hard and stressful times, is to gain strength through
the problems and learn from the past to make a better future.



The campaign honors role model dads and shares the endearing and memorable ways our fathers teach us love and respect every day. "By uniting in celebration of everyday role models - including the dads across America who are shaping a world free of relationship violence - we are advancing a nationwide movement for respect in relationships," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Executive Vice President of Marketing, "Macy's is proud to support the RESPECT! Campaign in delivering the powerful tools and resources needed to help parents, coaches, teachers and other role models teach the next generation how to live healthy relationships."


This Father's Day, the RESPECT! Campaign is offering several simple ways to thank the dads you know for the great example they set:


-- Give RESPECT! by sending a free Father's Day e-card. For every card
sent, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) will make a $25 donation in the
recipients' name, up to $100,000.
-- Pass on RESPECT! by sending messages on Twitter, joining the RESPECT!
Campaign group on Facebook, adding an "I'm for RESPECT!" tag on your
blog, and sparking conversations with your friends.
-- Learn 10 tips every parent should know to teach children about healthy
relationships.
-- Make a donation to the FVPF in honor of a dad you respect.

-- Purchase and wear the RESPECT! wrist band, available exclusively at
Macy's for $5 in select jewelry departments and at www.macys.com. Half
of all proceeds go directly to the cause.


ABOUT THE FOUNDING FATHERS

On Father's Day 2003, 350 men from all walks of life joined in a historic public statement to call for an end to violence against women and children. This statement, which appeared as a full-page ad in the New York Times came to be known as the new Founding Fathers Declaration.


They call themselves the Founding Fathers because they intend to help build a new kind of society - where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, where boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say, "No More."


"We must teach our sons and daughters how to solve problems through conversation, not confrontation," adds Soler. "Dads have a critical role to play at home and throughout our society - demonstrating kindness, teaching compassion and keeping cool under pressure."


The Founding Fathers will voice their support in a full page New York Times statement running this Father's Day. Several thousand fathers and sons have joined the movement since its inception and several thousand more have been honored as Founding Fathers by women in their lives who make gifts in their name to the FVPF on Father's Day. The men aim to end relationship and domestic abuse by standing up and investing in prevention programs.


ABOUT THE RESPECT! CAMPAIGN


The RESPECT! Campaign is the Family Violence Prevention Fund's (FVPF) latest initiative to advance a national movement to promote healthy relationships and stop relationship violence through positive role modeling and respect education. Sponsored nationally by Macy's, with additional support from Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R), the RESPECT! Campaign encourages individuals to help prevent and end domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and other forms of relationship abuse by talking with young people early and often about respect, and modeling that behavior in their own relationships. Through conversation guides for parents, lesson plans for teachers, tools for coaches, and other instructional "Respect Tools," the campaign offers a variety of resources to support moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and other living, breathing role models who have critical roles to play in helping our sons and daughters shape a world that is free of relationship violence. To learn more, visit www.giverespect.org.


About the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF)


For nearly three decades, the Family Violence Prevention Fund has worked to end violence against women, children, and families around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. For more information, visit www.endabuse.org.


About Macy's


Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers. For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit us online.


About Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R)


Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) represents a unique model for charitable giving in the fashion industry: 100% of net profits from Geoffrey Beene, LLC, are donated to philanthropic causes. The Foundation that bears the designer's name has made over $145 million in charitable commitments since 2006. To date, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back (R) has donated more than $600,000 to the RESPECT! Campaign.


[i] Online survey conducted April 2009 by Impulse Research for Family Violence Prevention Fund with a random sample of 1,011 men and women, 18+. Overall sampling error rate is +/-3% at the 95% level of confidence.


Source: Family Violence Prevention Fund

CONTACT: Lisa Brogan, +1-310-854-8278, LBrogan@currentlm.com, for Family
Violence Prevention Fund


Hot Topics

Face time: Help us celebrate the big 1-0!To say a lot’s happened in digital journalism in the 10 years since ONA was founded would be an understatement. Help us celebrate our anniversary by sharing your thoughts on how online journalism has changed. More• Online Journalism Awards: Deadline for entries is June 30. Enter | Become a screener• ONA09: Program | Career Summit & Job Fair | Register | Volunteer• ONALA: Mobile Web: Anywhere, anytime - but how? June 18, 6 p.m. PT. More

A 50% Increase in Medical Bankruptcies - A Worry for Adults Assisting Aging Parents
U.S.-based Export Business a Bright Spot in the Beleaguered Auto Industry
Reader's Digest Announces Transformation of Its Iconic Brand Into a Multi-Platform Leader and Launches Suite of Products Under New 'Reader's Digest Version' Banner;
New Sony Notebook Delivers Stunning Blu-ray Entertainment at Entry-Level Price
Kbb.com Names 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
Argentina Invests to Modernize National Airlines
Rugby European Championship in Hannover
Employment Reports
Iranian Election
Father's Day
Summer Health & Safety

Newt Gingrich: "Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done"

June 17, 2009 | Vol. 4, No. 24


"Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done"
by Newt Gingrich

Last week, I had the pleasure of addressing the Senate-House Annual Republican Dinner. The MC for the evening was actor Jon Voight. Before he spoke, a video tribute for Voight was shown, including clips of him playing Franklin Delano Roosevelt in a movie.

In one scene, Roosevelt is being told by his generals and advisors all the reasons why achieving victory in World War II was too hard.
More.

Hot Topics
Eddie Bauer Files for Bankruptcy
Majority Say Letterman's Apology to Palin Was Sincere After Viewing Video
AMA Supports Health System Reform Alternatives Consistent With Principles of Pluralism, Freedom of Choice, Freedom of Practice and Universal Access for Patients
Census Bureau News Population Change in Central and Outlying Counties of Metropolitan Statistical Areas: 2000 to 2007
CME Group Statement on Obama Administration's Plan for U.S. Financial Regulatory Reform
Bing Continues to Show Growth in Search Activity, According to comScore
Top 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names of 2009
Zagat Survey Reports Sobering NYC Nightlife
Father's Day

Study Shows Trillions of Dollars in Excess Costs If U.S. Builds 100 Nuclear Reactors

17 Jun 2009 16:00 Africa/Lagos

Study Shows Trillions of Dollars in Excess Costs If U.S. Builds 100 Nuclear Reactors

Major Study on Cost of New Nuclear Reactors Sobering Reality Check: Actual Cost Estimates for Proposed Reactors Now Four Times Higher Than Industry Projections From Less Than 10 Years Ago.


How much more would it cost to build 100 new nuclear reactors in the United States? How did the industry get it so wrong in projecting a so-called "nuclear renaissance" based on cost projections that are one-fourth of current estimates for new reactors?


These questions are addressed in the first comprehensive examination of the economics of the so-called "nuclear renaissance" in the United States - a major new report by Dr. Mark Cooper, a senior fellow for economic analysis at the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School.


The new Cooper study will:
-- Explain the rapidly mounting cost estimates for new nuclear reactors
based on a database of costs for 100 reactors built in the U.S.
combined with a detailed examination of over three dozen recent cost
projections for new nuclear reactors; and

-- Outline a likely range of costs for new nuclear reactors and compare
that to the costs projected for over a dozen alternative approaches to
meeting the need for electricity in a low-carbon environment.

News event speakers will be:

-- Dr. Mark Cooper; and

-- Former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission member Peter Bradford.


TO PARTICIPATE: You can join this live, phone-based news conference (with full, two-way Q&A) at 1:30 p.m. EDT on June 18, 2009 by dialing 1(800) 860-2442. Ask for the "understanding the high cost of new nuclear reactors" news event.


CAN'T PARTICIPATE?: A streaming audio replay of the news event will be available on the Web at http://www.vermontlaw.edu/Academics/Environmental_Law_Center/Institutes_and_In itiatives.htm as of 6 p.m. EDT on June 18, 2009.


/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- June 17/


Source: Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School, South Royalton, VT

CONTACT: Ailis Aaron Wolf, +1-703-276-3265, aawolf@hastingsgroup.com,
for Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School, South
Royalton, VT


Web Site: http://www.vermontlaw.edu/


Hot Topics
Outlying Counties Grew Faster Than Central Counties Between 2000 and 2007
Study Shows Trillions of Dollars in Excess Costs If U.S. Builds 100 Nuclear Reactors
Zagat Survey Reports Sobering NYC Nightlife
Himfr.com Forecasts Automobile Colour Trends
Consumers Favor Internet Over Cell Phone and Cable TV According to New Study From Pew Research Center
Top 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names of 2009
Merrill Lynch Fund Manager Survey Finds Economic Recovery Remains on Track Despite Bond Market Sell-Off
Study Shows Increases in Working After 65 and Using Commercial Insurance
Fuel Leak Again Postpones Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour
Banks Get Approval to Repay TARP Funds
Paris Air Show

Newly Proposed Government Loan Program to Bring Relief to All Homeowners

16 Jun 2009 12:00 Africa/Lagos

Newly Proposed Government Loan Program to Bring Relief to All Homeowners

4/40 for Freedom loan would jumpstart economy by reducing interest rate to 4 percent

PHOENIX, June 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A newly proposed home loan program known as 4/40 for Freedom was introduced today to address the continuing housing crisis, as evidenced by the recent AP story "Mortgage Delinquencies Hit Record High (May 28, 2009)." The program calls on Congress to draft a bill to reduce interest rates on all home mortgages to 4 percent and give new home buyers a 4 percent, 40-year loan option, which would dramatically stimulate the economy, prevent any more "toxic debt" and put America back to work.


On average, housing represents 35 percent of total family expenditures. The proposed program offers hope to struggling homeowners because it immediately decreases the monthly mortgage burden. Expected savings with the program are approximately 33-38 percent per month per household.


"Americans are begging for relief," said Ken Parker, founder of 4/40 for Freedom. "The program benefits are immediate; lower mortgages means increased disposable income, which translates to available cash to stimulate the economy through investments and product and service purchases. We have received enthusiastic support from the financial and business community regarding the program," Parker continued.


The program is simple: for existing homeowners it would be available automatically -- no qualification process or credit report required. The existing loan would be modified to a 4% interest rate, 40 year term, with no credit check. For foreclosed owners and first time buyers, the program offers a no nonsense qualification and application process, similar to FHA. Jumbo loans would also be offered, up to 3.5 million. Once passed by Congress, the program would be available for one year. As the economy improves and home values go up, homeowners will refinance with conventional programs and the U.S. backed real estate interest loan debt will be repaid, resulting in additional economic capital.


The Seidman Research Institute, a part of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, has produced a cost report regarding the 4/40 for Freedom program and it is available for purchase, along with bumper stickers and additional support material at www.4-40forFreedom.com.


Parker states that it is in the opinion of many business leaders that the money that is saved on interest will have an economic multiplier effect of three to five times the amount reinvested back into the economy. "If each homeowner saves an estimated $250 a month on their mortgage, all of a sudden they can make additional purchases and the effect on the economy will be tremendous," Parker said.


Nationwide, homeowners are being asked to sign an online petition to show their support of the program through the 4/40 for Freedom Web site, www.4-40forFreedom.com, which will then be taken to Congress.


4/40 for Freedom was founded by Arizona businessman Kenneth Wm. Parker, owner of Parker Properties/Parker Development. Mr. Parker's approach to social and sustainable economic development is based on the principle that single family housing drives the U.S. economy.


Mr. Parker is the founder of "The Right Way" youth outreach ministry in Phoenix and supports impoverished families and villages in the interior of Mexico. To learn more visit the Web site at www.4-40forFreedom.com or call 480-575-1714.


Source: 4/40 for Freedom

CONTACT: Megan Rose, +1-602-690-0801, mrose@gcjpr.com, for 4/40 for
Freedom


Web Site: https://www.4-40forfreedom.com/


Hot Topics
Pessimism About Financial Security Might Be Slowing
Speech by Obama on Healthcare Reform
Dubai's First Low Cost Airline Takes Off
Free is Best Way to Make Music Piracy Redundant
Edward Jones Chief Market Strategist Sees Some Positive Turns in Economy
Swine Flu Outbreak
Father's Day
Iranian Election
Male Style Icons

United States Transfers Three Guantanamo Detainees to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

13 Jun 2009 00:16 Africa/Lagos

United States Transfers Three Guantanamo Detainees to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice announced today that three Saudi nationals were transferred from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under appropriate security measures.

All individuals transferred to Saudi Arabia are subject to judicial review in Saudi Arabia before they undergo a rehabilitation program. While in a rehabilitation program, they will be under the control of the Saudi Government. The U.S. and Saudi Governments are working closely together on all matters related to the transfer of Saudi detainees from Guantanamo to Saudi Arabia.

As directed by the President's Jan. 22, 2009, Executive Order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of the cases involving Khalid Saad Mohammed, Abdalaziz Kareem Salim Al Noofayaee and Ahmed Zaid Salim Zuhair. As a result of that review, these detainees were approved for transfer from Guantanamo Bay. Each of these detainees was previously cleared for transfer by the prior Administration. The transfers were carried out pursuant to an arrangement between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"With these latest transfers, the U.S. Government has moved nine detainees over the course of this week to locations in Bermuda, Chad, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. This marks the largest number of transfers in a single week in well over a year and occurred, in large part, due to the willingness of foreign governments to work closely with the United States on this important issue and to assist in the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. We are grateful for the cooperation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and for its assistance on the successful transfer of the three individuals today," said Matthew Olsen, Executive Director of the Guantanamo Review Task Force.

Since 2002, more than 540 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD, +1-202-514-1888

Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/

Tobacco Regulation Bill

Transition to Digital Television

Platts Survey: May OPEC Oil Output Rose to 28.39 Million Barrels Per Day

Swine Flu Outbreak

Shooting at U.S. Holocaust Museum

Cedar Rapids Commemorates Anniversary of Devastating Iowa Flood

Summer Travel

Tech III Feature Package

Gay Rights Groups Unify Around New 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Plan

5 Jun 2009 16:38 Africa/Lagos


Gay Rights Groups Unify Around New 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Plan

HRC Joins Emerging Consensus that Obama Should Sign Executive Order

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Human Rights Campaign, the largest gay rights group in the country, has joined a growing number of other advocacy organizations calling on President Barack Obama to sign an executive order suspending "don't ask, don't tell."


Asked by Chris Matthews on MSNBC's Hardball last night whether he believes Obama has the authority to sign such an order and whether he should do so, HRC President Joe Solmonese said, "Yes he can and yes I do." Matthews repeated the question, asking "Do you think he should?" Salmonese confirmed, "Yes I do."


Solmonese added that Obama should sign the executive order immediately to halt further firings like that of Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate who speaks Arabic. "The president has the opportunity to stop that from happening," Solmonese said. "We've asked him to do that and pressed him to do that and hope that he will." HRC is widely understood to be the most influential gay rights group in the nation, with high-level White House access and an expansive presence on Capitol Hill.


The idea of ending the ban by executive order gained momentum after the release last month of a Palm Center study showing that the president has the authority to suspend "don't ask, don't tell" using his "stop-loss" authority. Until then, many had argued that only Congress or the courts could lift the ban.


Dr. Nathaniel Frank said that the emerging consensus about an executive order reflects a significant change in the national conversation about "don't ask, don't tell," including among gay groups. "There were reports that some of the larger gay groups were pushing Congress and the White House to delay lifting the ban in favor of other priorities," said Frank, author of "Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America," and senior research fellow at the Palm Center. "With the White House on the defensive about ongoing discharges, HRC has called for an immediate executive order, reflecting a changed landscape."


Others calling for the President to sign an executive order include Knights Out, an organization of 400 straight and gay West Point graduates, former staff, faculty and allies, and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center CEO Lorri Jean, who appeared on Hardball with Solmonese. Referring to the executive order proposal, Jean said, "Let's stop drumming people out now."


The Palm Center is a research institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Center uses rigorous social science to inform public discussions of controversial social issues, enabling policy outcomes to be informed more by evidence than by emotion. Its data-driven approach is premised on the notion that the public makes wise choices on social issues when high-quality information is available. For more information, visit www.palmcenter.ucsb.edu.


Source: The Palm Center

CONTACT: Indra Lusero, Assistant Director of The Palm Center,
+1-805-893-5664, lusero@palmcenter.ucsb.edu


Web Site: http://www.palmcenter.org/


Hot Topics
Employee Confidence Index Rises for 3rd Consecutive Month
General Motors, Penske Outline Proposed Deal for Purchase of Saturn
Funding Status of U.S. Pension Plans Improves For Third Month in Row, According to BNY Mellon Asset Management
Wal-Mart Board Approves $15 Billion Share Repurchase Program
Gay Rights Groups Unify Around New 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Plan
National Survey Finds Nearly All Adults Say They Wash Their Hands After Visiting Public Restrooms, But Most Think They Are Exception
Obama Visits Middle East
World Environment Day
National Donut Day: June 5

Statement of Islamic Research Council of Al-Azhar Mosque on President Obama's Speech to the Muslim World

4 Jun 2009 18:09 Africa/Lagos


Statement of Islamic Research Council of Al-Azhar Mosque on President Obama's Speech to the Muslim World

CAIRO, Egypt, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the occasion of President Barack Obama's historic visit to Egypt and his speech to the Muslim World, which he gave today at Cairo University, the Members of the Islamic Research Council (IRC) welcome President Obama's visit as a clear gesture of goodwill and respect.


This gesture is particularly welcome given the fact that President Obama chose Egypt as the venue of his speech to the Muslim World, in recognition of its rich legacy and profound influence on the Islamic World, by virtue of it taking place at Al-Azhar - the seat of the most respected and influential Sunni institution of Islamic scholarship and education in the world.


The Members of the IRC view President Obama's speech as indicative of a promising new era in relations between America and the Arab and the Muslim worlds, and that paves the way for real dialogue among civilizations, rather than conflict, which some may want us to believe is unavoidable.


The Members commend President Obama for his deep appreciation for the Islamic faith and the contributions of Islamic civilization over the centuries in shaping the world for the better, and for his assertion that America seeks greater engagement and a true partnership with the Muslim world based upon mutual respect.


The Members wish to assert that they share with President Obama the goal of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, particularly between Palestine and Israel. The IRC strongly calls upon him to make progress towards achieving such a peace in the region. They also welcome his initiative to end the occupation of Iraq and withdraw U.S. forces. The Members stress that a similar initiative should be made in Afghanistan.


The Members assure the American people that the concerns of most Muslims are identical to those of most Americans, and that they have a common desire to lead a peaceful and dignified life. Both Muslims and Americans face a common threat posed by extremism and terrorism, which people of all religions reject.


The IRC Members affirm that throughout its long history, Al-Azhar has provided equal educational opportunities for men and women, and has been devoted to spreading a balanced vision of Islam based on the various recognized Schools of Islamic law and orthodox theology infused with spiritual depth.


Students at Al-Azhar have been taught not only how to master grammar, logic, and law, but also have been given instruction in Islamic ethics and spirituality, qualities which are considered integral parts of effective religious leadership, and development of a culture of dialogue and tolerance. Combined with an understanding of contemporary issues, this holistic approach to religious education continues to draw students from all over the world to study at Al-Azhar. These students return to their countries not only with knowledge, but with the example of a balanced religiosity that, while remaining true to its principles, is able to address the needs of Muslim society in a changing world.


Al-Azhar has long been active in reaching out to other religious communities, both within the Islamic world, and at the international level. This spirit of dialogue can be found in the statements and fatwas of Al-Azhar's Sheikhs, as well as in the activities of its scholars.


The Members of the IRC affirm that there is a great and vast field in which both the Muslim world and the United States can act together, including rejecting terror; defending and promoting the moral values of compassion and justice; spreading goodwill and bridging misunderstandings; and overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes among all peoples of the world.


The Members recognize the necessity of translating these shared commitments into tangible deeds and programs to achieve these noble goals.


H.E. Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed El-Tantawy
Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar
President of the Islamic Research Council

About the Islamic Research Council (IRC)

Islamic Research Council (IRC) is one of the premier Islamic authorities in the Muslim world that primarily speaks in the name of Al-Azhar, the most respected and influential Sunni institution in the Muslim world and the most sought out seminary for Islamic instruction.


IRC is a compendium of 50 senior Muslim Scholars from various Muslim countries headed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Mohammad Syed Tantawi. Other notable member Scholars include: Dr Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzoq, the Minister of Endowment and Islamic affairs; Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt; and Dr Ahmad El Tayyib, the Rector of Al Azhar University.


IRC was established in 1961 with the purpose of being the supreme arbitrator of Islamic legal and cultural discourse. Since its inception, IRC has established itself as one of the world's leading councils of Islamic authority, and has offered wisdom and clarity to Muslims worldwide.


This material is distributed by Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates on behalf of the Egyptian Press and Information Office. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.


Source: Islamic Research Council

CONTACT: Elana Stein, +1-202-777-3517, estein@clsdc.com, for the Islamic
Research Council


Hot Topics
Obama Visits Middle East
May U.S. Retail Sales
20th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Crackdown
Microsoft Unveils Bing Travel
Two-CD The Who Sell Out - Deluxe Edition Expands the 1967 Classic With Both the Original Stereo and Mono Albums, and Dozens of Alternate Versions, Including Five Previously Unreleased
Reactions to GM Bankruptcy Filing
U.S. Airline Traffic in May
National Donut Day: June 5
Sony Masterworks Proudly Releases West Side Story - The New Broadway Cast Recording
Swine Flu Outbreak

Obama in the Middle East

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
3 Jun 2009
23:19
Interview With Gamal Mubarak, Son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Airs on ABC'S Good Morning America June 4, 2009
22:58
Egypt Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif Interview Airs on CBS Evening News Tonight
16:46
Bauer Calls on Obama to Remember William Long
14:52
Obama's Muslim Address Projects Weakness, Says Mideast Expert Aaron Klein
11:00
Obama Administration Enables Saudi Princes to Escape Accountability for Material Support for 9/11 Terror Attacks, Families Charge
03:00
Egyptian Public to Greet Obama With Suspicion
2 Jun 2009
20:16
CAIR: D.C. Muslims to View, Comment on President's Cairo Speech

Poll: Texas Voters Rate State Official Job Approval, the Economy, and Who is to Blame for Economic Crisis

3 Jun 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Poll: Texas Voters Rate State Official Job Approval, the Economy, and Who is to Blame for Economic Crisis

AUSTIN, Texas, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Credit Union League (TCUL) today released a summary of results from a telephone poll of 800 Texas registered voters regarding current Texas voter perceptions of the state's elected leadership, top issues, the Texas economy, and the economic crisis, and other financial sector issues. The poll was conducted April 23, 25-26, 2009 with a 3.5% margin of error by a bi-partisan political polling team of Public Opinion Strategies (a nationally-recognized Republican firm based in Virginia) and Hamilton Campaigns (a nationally-recognized Democratic firm based in Florida).


"Texas voters are more optimistic than the rest of the country about our state's economy and surviving this national current financial crisis," said Buddy Gill, TCUL's Chief Advocacy Officer. "We're delighted, but not surprised, to continue see credit union consistently rank as the most popular of any financial services institution today. Credit unions weren't part of the problems that caused the national financial crisis, but we can be part of the solution to get our country back on its feet."


"Our polling confirms the intense loyalty of credit union members to their credit union. TCUL continues to work closely with our elected leaders to make sure the on-going needs of our credit unions representing 7 million Texas members are met in the legislative and regulatory arenas."


Among the key findings (also see graphs available for download here


http://www.tcul.coop/sites/25043ee8-a7e7-4aeb-8304-a91b5e7553c9/uploads/Te xas_Credit_Union_League_2009_Voter_Poll_results_for_Media_Release.ppt ):


Texas Voter Mood and View of Texas Economy. By a margin of 55% to 31%, the majority of Texas voters say the state is headed in the right direction rather than off track. This is an improvement in the electorate view of the direction of the state from 2004, when voters were more narrowly divided 46% to 40% on this electorate mood question.


Texas voters are mixed on the current state of the Texas economy, with only 3% rating it "excellent," a near-majority 50% "saying good," 36% "not-so-good," and 10% "poor." The plurality of votes are optimistic, with 45% thinking the Texas economy will get better in the next two years, while 22% think it will worsen and 29% see it remaining the same.


Top Texas Issues. Texas voters name the economy and jobs (42% combined first and second mention) as the top concern in the state, followed by illegal immigration (35% combined) and education (35%) tied for second place. Health care (25%), moral values (21%), property taxes (17%), state spending (10%) all score double digits. There are differences by political party, with illegal immigration being the top GOP issue (44%) as well as for Independents (43%), while the economy/jobs was the top issue among Democrats (50%).


Texas Elected Official Job Approval. The poll tested the overall job approval ratings of various statewide political figures. On the federal level, US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison scored the highest with a 66% to 18% net positive job approval rating. Senator John Cornyn scored 47% to 22% net positive, and Texas voters give President Barack Obama a 49% to 40% net positive job approval rating.


Statewide, Governor Rick Perry scored a 52% to 40% net positive job approval rating. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst scored a 37% to 18% net positive, followed by Attorney General Greg Abbott at 44% to 11% and State Comptroller Susan Combs at 44% to 9% net positive job approval scores.


Interestingly, in anticipation of the possible 2010 March Republican primary between incumbent Governor Rick Perry and Senate Kay Bailey Hutchison, their job approval scores are virtually identical among self-identified Republican primary voters, Republican voter subgroups by ideology, and even regular "Rush Limbaugh" talk radio show listeners.


Who is To Blame for National Financial Crisis? When asked an open-ended question on "who is most to blame for causing the current national financial crisis," interestingly Texas voters seem to point more fingers at an aspect of federal government than at the private sector. Sixteen percent of Texas voters (16%) volunteer former President George W. Bush as most to blame, followed by 14% volunteering Congress, 10% naming the federal government, 3% naming President Barack Obama, and 1% blaming the Federal Reserve. Fourteen percent (14%) volunteer "banks," tied with 14% volunteering "greed/people spending too much" as most to blame, followed by 6% saying mortgage companies/lending institutions, 4% Wall Street, 4% large corporations, 2% con artists like Bernie Madoff. Credit unions are not viewed as being part of the problem.


Overall Bank Image and Popularity Suffers; Credit Unions Popularity Remains Very High. The image and popularity of banks with voters has taken a negative hit since 2004, with banks being rated 55% favorable to 39% unfavorable (compared to 69% to 17% in 2004). The image of credit unions has remained virtually unchanged at 75% favorable to 8% unfavorable, statistically the same as the 2004 finding of 77% favorable to 9% unfavorable. What remarkable is how popular credit unions are far beyond their own membership levels -- almost half (45%) of all Texas voters are members of a Texas credit union, up slightly from 42% in 2004.


Public Policy: Texas Voters Allowing Credit Unions to Make More Small Business Loans to Their Members. Voters favor the elimination of the 12.25% of assets "cap" on member business loans Congress placed on credit unions eleven years ago as a viable way to help get credit into entrepreneur's hands as other financial institutions pull back on lending during the recession.


Poll Background. TCUL regularly monitors public opinion on political and public policy issues that may affect credit unions and the financial services marketplace, and this April 2009 survey of registered voters represents our fourth such commissioned poll since 2004.


About Texas Credit Union League(TM) The Texas Credit Union League is the official trade association for credit unions within the State of Texas. The League represents, on a state and federal level, nearly 600 credit unions state-wide, which are owned by over seven million members (about one-third of the state's population). Organized in 1934, the Texas Credit Union League protects credit unions and promotes their growth, strength and unity. It accomplishes the mission through advocacy services, regulatory and compliance advice, training and event activities, marketing and public relations actions, and by delivering innovative, high value and profitable business solutions to the members.


For more information, visit www.tcul.coop and www.creditunionmember.org; write to us at 4455 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75244, or call us at 469-385-6400. Texas credit unions - strong, safe, and secure for 75 years.


The information contained in this message may be privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, reading this message is strictly prohibited, as is any disclosure, copying or other use of this information. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message, and then delete it from your computer. This electronic transmission and any information that it contains is the property of the Texas Credit Union League and affiliated companies.


Source: Texas Credit Union League

CONTACT: For interviews, Buddy Gill, Chief Advocacy Officer,
+1-512-619-2519, or Media, Allison Griffin, +1-214-704-3630, or Lisa Marie
Gomez, +1-210-438-2532, or Winter Prosapio, +1-512-699-0412, all for Texas
Credit Union League


Web Site: http://www.tcul.coop/
http://www.creditunionmember.org/


NOTE TO EDITORS: Media outlets may quote this data for news stories on the condition that the Texas Credit Union League is cited as the poll source.


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
3 Jun 2009
16:46
Bauer Calls on Obama to Remember William Long
14:00
Poll: Texas Voters Rate State Official Job Approval, the Economy, and Who is to Blame for Economic Crisis
14:00
Israeli Suit Manufacturer Bagir Proves That Friendly Relationships Can Exist Between Neighboring Middle Eastern Countries
2 Jun 2009
22:29
USW, Members of Congress, Tire Workers Testify at ITC
19:53
Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth to Keynote The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's 2009 Commencement June 12
18:57
Americans Skeptical While Watching President Obama's Speech on GM
15:48
Latino Elected Officials to Meet As Community Shifts Focus From Ballot Box to Public Policy
15:00
Cemtrex Sees New Opportunities From the Cap and Trade Legislation
14:00
Allscripts and SYNNEX Corporation Form Distribution Partnership to Accelerate Adoption of Electronic Health Records
13:00
How are U.S. Cities Planning to Use Federal Stimulus Funds?
1 Jun 2009
23:52
President Obama Voices Support for Biofuels Development and Continued Viability of Existing Ethanol Industry
22:20
Safe Internet Alliance Commends Administration's New Cybersecurity Effort
21:13
Governor Howard Dean Named Chairman of the Board of Progressive Book Club
18:26
Leading Rights Groups Call On Obama to Release Prisoner Abuse Photos
31 May 2009
07:59
Spike TV Announces 2009 'Guys Choice' Winners
29 May 2009
17:11
232 Sudanese Slaves Liberated
13:00
PGP Corporation's President and CEO to Attend White House Announcement of Cybersecurity Review
00:15
ATR: Obama's VAT Trial Balloon Dusts Off Bill Clinton's 1993 Playbook
28 May 2009
23:27
Advisory: Information for Visiting Foreign Media Covering Obama's 6/4 Speech in Egypt
22:31
Muslim, Christian & Jewish Women Leaders Cross Continents for Interfaith Dialogue to Increase Tolerance & Understanding, Condemn Violence